Shoulder & Elbow Treatment in New Orleans

Shoulder pain can come from several conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, instability, or an injury. A sports medicine or orthopedic specialist can evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause.

Treatment may include activity changes, medication, physical therapy, or injections. If pain and loss of function continue despite nonsurgical care, shoulder replacement may be an option, depending on the condition of the joint and rotator cuff.  

Common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting your arm, and pain that gets worse with overhead activities or while sleeping on the affected shoulder. A sudden injury may also cause a pop and immediate weakness. 

Many rotator cuff tears can be managed without surgery. Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Surgery may be considered when pain or weakness continues despite nonsurgical treatment or with certain acute tears. 

Pain when raising your arm can be caused by rotator cuff problems, shoulder impingement, bursitis, tendonitis, or other shoulder conditions. If the pain persists or is accompanied by weakness or loss of motion, an evaluation can help determine the cause.

You should consider seeing a doctor if shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, keeps getting worse, limits your activities, causes weakness, or follows an injury. Persistent shoulder pain can sometimes indicate a rotator cuff tear or another condition that needs treatment. 

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms typically include pain or burning on the outside of the elbow and weakness when gripping or using the wrist. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to develop it. 

Yes. Most cases of tennis elbow improve with nonsurgical treatment such as rest, activity modification, physical therapy, exercises, and bracing. Surgery is generally considered only when symptoms continue despite other treatments. 

Most spine conditions can be treated with conservative care such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. An MRI will be recommended after failing 6 weeks of conservative care or if symptoms are worsening such weakness, numbness or tingling.

Elbow pain can result from overuse, tendon injuries such as tennis elbow, ligament injuries, bursitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or an acute injury. The location of the pain and activities that make it worse can help your doctor determine the cause.

Not always. Your doctor will typically start with your medical history and a physical examination. Depending on your symptoms and suspected injury, X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI may be recommended to provide more information about the bones, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues. 

Surgery isn't necessary for every shoulder or elbow injury. It may be considered when significant damage is present, symptoms don't improve with nonsurgical treatment, or an injury significantly affects strength, function, or daily activities. Your orthopedic specialist can discuss whether surgery or nonsurgical treatment is appropriate for your condition.